It’s easy to take revenge when people seek to harm you. It’s a test whether you will trust God or seize control. Because God rules over authorities, respond respectfully and righteously. He rewards integrity, not when you take matters in your own hands. Instead of insubordination, David practiced submission in 1 Sam. 24.  

Saul sought David in the wilderness of Engedi. David saw Saul and cut off the edge of his robe secretly. David’s conscience bothered him. David said to his men, “Far be it from me because of the Lord that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed.” He did not allow his men to rise up against Saul (1 Sam. 24:1-7).  Respect and honor authorities over you instead of harming them. 

After David bowed before Saul, he explained the falseness of accusations that he sought to harm Saul. David told Saul he hadn’t sin because there was no evil or rebellion in his hands. He told Saul that the Lord would judge and decide between them, plead his cause and be delivered from his hand (1 Sam. 24:8-15). God judges and  takes revenge on your enemies instead of you. 

Saul admitted his wickedness and David’s righteous response. Saul asked the Lord to reward David with good  as he would establish the kingdom of Israel as king. David swore that he would not cut off Saul’s descendants after he became king (1 Sam. 24:16-22). God rewards those who have integrity of heart and wait on God’s timing. 

From 1 Sam. 24: 11, notice that David applied 1 Sam. 15:22-23 since he had no evil or rebellion. He cleansed his heart from “insubordination (which) is as iniquity and idolatry.”

Ask God to cleanse your heart from insubordination and rebellion in response to your parents, spouse, boss and political leaders. Begin to pray for them.  


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